Migraine Progression Awareness Gaps Identified in Survey

Providence, RI, Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The release of a new patient-focused survey by the nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders has highlighted a significant gap in understanding regarding the progression of migraine. According to the survey, conducted among 459 people with self-reported migraine, many individuals are unaware that the disease can be progressive, meaning that migraine attacks and symptoms can become more frequent and severe over time.

The survey revealed that half of the respondents did not realize that migraine can be a progressive disease. Another 18 percent had not known this at all. This lack of awareness is concerning, given that some people experience what is known as chronification, where episodic migraine progresses to chronic migraine. People with chronic migraine face more frequent attacks, often with more severe pain and symptoms, leading to greater disability.

The survey also explored the risk factors associated with the progression of migraine. These include increasing headache frequency, medication overuse headache, anxiety or depression, sleep issues, frequent nausea, allodynia, and stress. Despite these risk factors, many individuals delay seeking treatment, with about 35 percent of respondents delaying both acute and preventive treatments.

The impact of migraine on daily life is profound, with more than 85 percent of survey respondents reporting that the disease has had an extreme or significant impact on their family life, work, and daily functioning. Furthermore, 68 percent of respondents expressed moderate to extreme worry about the potential for their migraine to worsen in the future.

The Association of Migraine Disorders, led by Executive Director Kylie Gagan, RN, BSN, emphasized the importance of educating people about the potential for migraine to worsen over time.

The survey and accompanying blog were developed with financial support from Lundbeck, and the Association of Migraine Disorders and Lundbeck collaborated on the survey. The survey respondents suggested that better education about migraine progression, more information about available treatments, improved access to healthcare providers, and encouragement from a doctor or specialist would have helped them seek treatment sooner.

The Association of Migraine Disorders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with migraine through education, awareness, and research. The survey underscores the need for greater education about the progression of migraine and the importance of seeking appropriate treatment to manage the disease effectively.